{"id":346984,"date":"2026-07-21T06:37:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T06:37:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/346984\/"},"modified":"2026-07-21T06:37:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T06:37:23","slug":"miamis-expecting-a-big-year-from-star-tight-end-elija-lofton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/346984\/","title":{"rendered":"MIami’s ‘Expecting a Big Year’ from Star Tight End Elija Lofton"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two years ago, the Miami Hurricanes<\/a> had a second-round pick tight end in Elijah Arroyo<\/a>. He went on to have one of the best seasons in his career, but behind him was a talented freshman waiting his turn, ready for a breakout season. <\/p>\n

However, with a different quarterback and a different offensive scheme, Elija Lofton didn’t see the field too often, thanks to Carson Beck throwing less to the middle of the field and to how banged up he was. <\/p>\n

Lofton now prepares for a season that will see him get plenty of targets, given Darian Mensah’s usage and the team’s desire to be explosive. <\/p>\n

It is also what head coach Mario Cristobal envisions for him this season after battling back so many times. <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s always been a big part until he\u2019s been banged up,\u201d Cristobal said about Lofton at the ACC\u2019s Football Kickoff on Wednesday. \u201cHe\u2019s talented. For us, it\u2019s pretty simple: It\u2019s players over plays. The offseason is so important because guys have an opportunity to better themselves and show what they can do to help us win. <\/p>\n

“Guys that play are guys that have proven they can help the team win. We don\u2019t just play a guy because he\u2019s talented. We don\u2019t play a guy because we signed him, he\u2019s got a high ranking or because there\u2019s a fear of a transfer. <\/p>\n

\"Oct<\/p>\n

Oct 4, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Elija Lofton (9) makes a catch during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

“That\u2019s irrelevant. Who has earned the opportunity to play? Because if they have earned it, it doesn\u2019t matter if he\u2019s not starting; we have to play. Lofton, for us, has always been an individual we thought really highly of. We think he\u2019s really healthy now. Remember, he suffered a pretty significant injury in the bowl game. He was doing everything before that, and now he looks like he\u2019s in optimal form. We\u2019re expecting a big year out of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mensah also loves his tight ends. Last season, Duke’s leading tight end, Jeremiah Hasley<\/a>, finished the season reeling in 40 receptions for 454 yards and six touchdowns.<\/p>\n

Moreover, with a new tight ends coach, Lofton is learning and growing faster as a full talent.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can line him up all over the field,\u201d new Miami tight ends coach Mike Viti<\/a> said during the spring. \u201cIn the vertical passing game, he\u2019s a threat. Safeties, nickels are afraid that he\u2019s going to run by them. So there\u2019s that threat to stretch the field, which opens it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

As open as the Canes wanted the offense to be, Lofton can be another x-factor <\/a>who can unlock this team’s offensive abilities. <\/p>\n

Follow all social media platforms to stay up to date with everything Miami Hurricanes-related:\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0Youtube<\/a>, and\u00a0BlueSky<\/a>.\"\"Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow<\/a>